Following the travail of former deputy Governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to intervene in the matter with the aim of setting him free.
Omisore, a former Senator was arrested last week by the EFCC for allegedly receiving about N1.31bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, during the August 9, 2014, governorship election in the state, in which he was the PDP’s flag bearer.
This allegation, Omisore had however, denied saying the commission was out to defame his person.
In a bid to prove his innocence, Omisore had instituted a legal action against the anti-graft agency to the tune of N10bn.
However, the state Chairman of PDP, Mr. Adesoji Adagunodo made an appeal during a visit to the palace of the paramount ruler Ile-Ife for the Ooni’s intervention.
This was contained in a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Mr. Moses Olafare.
According to the statement, Adagunodo apologised on behalf of the detained ex-senator who had not payed homage to the paramount ruler since he ascended the throne seven months ago, adding that Omisore if released will be brought palace to do the right thing.
But the Ooni in his response, as quoted by the statement said he bore no grudge against the former senator who is an indigene of Ife.
The statement reads, “Your Imperial Majesty, we are here to pay our homage to you as the father of our race who must be respected by all true sons and daughters of Yoruba race.
“We also beg you in the name of Oduduwa to use your goodwill in assisting us to rescue one of our leaders, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, from the EFCC detention, even though we are not unaware of his attitude towards this sacred palace as he has refused to pay homage since you were divinely crowned seven months ago.
“We can assure you of his change of attitude as soon as he is released from detention.”
Assuring leadership of the state chapter of the party, of his readiness to assist with his limited resources, the paramount ruler however, said that Omisore will regain his freedom if only he has “no skeleton in his cupboard.
“Omisore is a prominent Ife son. I don’t have any grudges against him whatsoever over his refusal to visit my palace since I became the Ooni. You all must know that he is entitled to his right of choice on whom and where to visit at anytime.
“Don’t also forget he is undergoing a procedural investigation and laws of the land must be respected. But I promise to assist you on this matter within my limited capability legally guided.
“I heartily pray God should quickly set him free if he has no skeleton in his cupboard,” Ooni said.
